Should You Buy the Outspell Portable Charcoal Grill for Camping? Honest Review

Description

Key Features

This compact and lightweight outdoor charcoal grill, officially named Outspell tkl-01, packs a punch for its size. It’s portable, making it ideal for camping trips, beach outings, or even a quick backyard cookout. The two-sided grill design is a standout feature, as it allows for flexible cooking — one side can even act as a lid for roasting larger items like whole chickens. Built with stainless steel and a powder-coated finish, the durability feels solid, and the wood handles add a nice touch of practicality and aesthetics. The included barbecue bag and tongs are handy additions, though I’ll admit the tongs could use an upgrade.

Grilling Performance

Cooking on this grill has been a breeze. The two-sided feature is incredibly versatile; I’ve cooked burgers on one side while grilling vegetables on the other. The heat distribution is surprisingly even for a grill of this size, and it gets the job done without consuming too much charcoal. However, the absence of an adjustable height for the grill grates may limit your ability to control cooking intensity.

Ease of Use

Setting up this grill took me about five minutes, and trust me, I’m no DIY expert. It’s intuitive to assemble, and the compact size means it doesn’t dominate your cooking space. During one of my camping trips, I was able to carry it along with other gear without feeling weighed down. My husband, who isn’t usually the one handling grills, found it easy to operate, and he loved how quickly it was ready to use.

Cleaning

Cleaning this grill was less of a chore than expected. The iron-carbon tray efficiently collects ash, making disposal straightforward. The grill grates, being stainless steel, are relatively easy to scrub clean, even after cooking sticky barbecue sauces. That said, the double-sided design can make cleaning a bit tricky if you’re not careful.

Temperature Control

Though it doesn’t have built-in dampers or vents, I found that controlling the amount of charcoal and adjusting the lid position provided sufficient control over the temperature. It’s not as precise as some high-end models, but for the price and size, it’s more than manageable.

Warranty

The one-year manufacturer warranty is a reassuring inclusion, but I hope I won’t have to use it. The build quality suggests this grill should hold up well over time, though only extended use will tell for sure.

Durability

The alloy steel construction feels sturdy, and I’ve used it multiple times without noticing any warping or damage. The powder-coated finish has held up against the occasional scrape or spill, and the wooden handles remain solidly attached. However, I’ve spotted a few reviews mentioning minor rust issues after prolonged use, so it might be worth storing it in a dry place when not in use.

Portability & Storage

Weighing just 9.5 pounds, this grill is incredibly portable. I’ve taken it to the park, the beach, and even out to a tailgate party. The included barbecue bag makes storage and transport even easier. It’s compact enough to fit in the trunk of my car without taking up much space.

Pluses

• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
• Two-sided grill allows for versatile cooking
• Durable stainless steel and powder-coated construction
• Includes a barbecue bag and tongs
• Quick and easy assembly

Critiques

• Grill tongs included in the set feel cheap and flimsy
• Lack of adjustable grill grate height for cooking intensity control
• Double-sided grill can be tricky to clean thoroughly
• Minimal rust resistance if left exposed to moisture for too long

Product Comparisons

Compared to other portable grills like the Weber Smokey Joe, this one holds its own with its dual-sided functionality and compact design. The Smokey Joe has a more traditional single-grate setup, which might be limiting for those who want to cook multiple items at once. On the other hand, the Weber excels in rust resistance and overall sturdiness. Another competitor, the Cuisinart CCG-190RB, is similarly lightweight and portable but lacks the dual-sided cooking feature that makes this grill so versatile. While the Cuisinart is great for quick meals, it doesn’t feel as durable as this grill, especially when cooking for larger groups.

Value for Money

In terms of cost-effectiveness, this grill delivers excellent bang for your buck. For its size and price, you’re getting a lot of features, including portability, dual-sided cooking, and a pretty solid build. While it’s not perfect, it offers good value for those looking for a reliable, easy-to-use portable grill without breaking the bank.

Additional information